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WOMEN'S & CHILDREN'S | Family Maternity Center | Pregnancy Resource Center | Pregnancy Library | Pregnancy Tips | Are hot tubs and saunas safe?
Are hot tubs and saunas safe?
For many people, hot tubs and saunas are synonymous with relaxation. If you enjoy spending your leisure time in a spa and would like to continue during pregnancy, you can. Just limit the length of time you're in and closely monitor your body's temperature.
Expectant mothers should not let their body temperature rise above 102.2 degrees (39 degrees Celsius) for more than 10 minutes. Prolonged exposure to heat can interfere with a baby's cell division and cause brain damage or other birth defects (depending on the stage of development). As a result, many women opt to stay away from saunas and hot tubs during pregnancy.
Staying safe in hot water
- Reduce the heat.
- Check the hot tub's temperature with a water thermometer.
- Be aware of the sauna room temperature at all times (someone may raise it without telling you).
- Don't stay in a hot tub or sauna for more than 10 minutes.
- Get out if you become uncomfortably hot, even if you have only been in for a short time, and cool down immediately.
- Keep your shoulders and arms out of the water to promote heat loss and maintain a safe body temperature.
- Take your oral temperature while you are exposed to the heat. When your normal body temperature rises one degree or more, get out.
In addition to spa use, pregnant women should also be wary of activities that can raise body temperature and keep it high for an extended period such as aerobic exercise in hot weather, overheated swimming pools and extremely hot baths.
If you've already been in a hot tub or sauna since becoming pregnant, chances are your baby is fine. Studies show that most women spontaneously get out before their body's temperature reaches dangerous levels because they start to feel hot and uncomfortable. If you have any concerns or questions, talk to your healthcare provider.
Date last reviewed: October 2002.
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